Emma's POV
Thinking of my future, I felt something tighten in my throat. Since my childhood, I have looked forward to having a family with Ethan. That all seemed unreal now, 'There is no need. The sooner, the better," I answered, fighting back the tears.
As I clung the phone to my ear, I couldn't help but think about how my life had changed. I remembered when my dad's beta, Ethan's father, had first brought up the proposed marriage from the famous Lycan king. My dad had been quick to accept, eager to ally with the powerful king even though the rumors about him weren't pleasant to the ears.
But I had been against it, refusing to accept a marriage that would be decided for me. My dad was furious with me, but Adam had intervened, making it clear that no one would force me into anything I didn't want.
Adam's voice brought me back to reality. "Okay then, By the way, do you still have contact with Ethan? I heard his girlfriend is finally back."
I felt a pang in my heart as the thought of Ethan came to mind, I had never suspected that he was just using me, no wonder he hid our relationship from my brother.
I lowered my gaze, trying to hide the pain. "I don't know, I don't care," I lied, trying to sound nonchalant. "I have to go, bye."
I ended the call and started sobbing. The wait was over, and I could no longer tolerate the ache. I collapsed onto the bed, sobs racking my body. I cursed my life, I cursed my destiny for giving me false hope which did not exist.
And at last, I slipped into slumber with teardrops still glistening on my cheek. However, I was well aware even in my sleep that nothing would be the same for me again
I slowly opened my eyes to find Bonnie standing over me, a look of concern etched on her face. "Emma? Emma, wake up!" she exclaimed, shaking me gently.
I jumped up immediately, my heart racing. I was sweating profusely, and my body ached all over. I looked around, trying to remember where I was.
"What happened to you?" Bonnie's worried face came into focus, and I tried to reassure her.
"I'm fine, Bonnie. Please don't make a big deal out of it," I begged, trying to brush off her concerns.
But Bonnie wasn't having it. "No, Emma, I'm taking you to the hospital. You look a mess," she said firmly, pulling me up from the bed.
As I stood up, a sharp pain shot through my arm, and I let out a loud cry. Bonnie's eyes widened in concern as she rolled up my sleeve, exposing a large burn mark on my arm.
"Oh shit!" I had forgotten all about it.
Bonnie's eyes turned red with anger immediately when she saw it. "Who did this to you?" she demanded, her voice low and menacing.
I knew I couldn't tell her the truth. I couldn't bring myself to admit that the person I loved had hurt me so badly. So I lied. "It was an accident. I fell and spilled hot soup on myself."
Bonnie's expression told me she didn't believe a word I said. "We'll talk about this later," she said firmly. "For now, let's get you to the school clinic." I nodded, feeling a mix of emotions although I was grateful for Bonnie's concern,
We arrived at the clinic, and the nurse tended to my burn. She scolded me for not coming in earlier, and I just nodded, feeling ashamed, she also gave me something for the fever.
As we left the clinic, we bumped into Ethan. He looked shocked to see me, and I knew why the moment I saw Amanda.
We stood in an awkward moment of silence before he broke it "Hi Emma, I looked for you yesterday...but you were nowhere to be found," Ethan said, his eyes scanning my body until they landed on the burn mark on my arm.
"Oh my goodness, what happened to your arm?" he asked, feigning concern.
If I was angry before now I am furious, How could he pretend to care when he had been the one to hurt me?
"Wait, you were with Ethan last night when it happened?" Bonnie asked, her eyes narrowing.
I nodded, my voice cold. "Yes, as a matter of fact, he was the one who pushed me."
Ethan shifted uncomfortably, but I didn't care. I wasn't done with him. "When were you going to tell her that I'm your girlfriend?" I asked pointing at Amanda who looked lost in the conversation, my voice devoid of emotion.
Amanda looked confused, and Ethan tried to shut me up. "Emma, please, not now," he begged.
But I wasn't having it. I stood tall, my eyes fixed on Amanda. "He told you I was his little sister, right? Well, that's a lie. I'm his girlfriend, and we've been dating for four years. Yesterday was our fourth anniversary, which I'm sure he didn't remember."
I turned to Ethan. "But all that doesn't matter now. I'm getting married to someone better. You can have him to yourself."
And then I walked away, feeling a sense of satisfaction. I had finally told Ethan the truth, and I had finally stood up for myself. I didn't know where I got the courage from, but I was glad I had finally found my voice.
